Veterans gathered in Falmouth this morning to mark one of the most important events in the Second World War - Victory in Japan and with it the end of the conflict.

Today is the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, with people all over the country paying tribute to those paid the ultimate sacrifice to give their country freedom from war.

In Falmouth an event was organised by the town's branch of the Royal Naval Association to take place at the war memorial in Kimberley Park.

Falmouth Packet:

Mike Stevens (left) of the Royal Naval Association reads the address. Pictures: Colin Higgs

Veterans and others, including town mayor Steve Eva and his wife Vicky, mayoress, gathered under social distancing guidelines for the start of the service at 10.45am.

Read next: VJ Day 75 - Life as a Japanese prisoner of war in World War Two

This got underway with the Exhortation read by Mick Stevens, chairman of the Falmouth Royal Naval Association.

Falmouth Packet:

The VJ parade at the war memorial in Kimberley Park on Saturday morning

Hayden Thompson sounded the Last Post at 10.58am, ahead of a two-minute silence followed by Reveille.

Lance Smale of the Royal Air Force Association then read the Kohima Epitaph, which features the words: "When you go home, remember us and say for your tomorrows we gave our todays."

Read next: 'He didn’t talk about it' - Memories from grandson who followed in war hero's footsteps

A lone piper was followed by wreath laying, called by Tom French of the Parachute Regiment, and closing prayers.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Town Parade Marshal Tom French

Also on show were more than 120 poppy crosses, themselves laid out in the shape of a cross and inscribed with the names of all those on the Falmouth Roll Of Honour.

Family members were invited to attend and write a personal message on their cross, or remove the cross as a keepsake if they preferred.

Falmouth Packet:

Brian Toney the standard bearer for the Falmouth branch of the Royal Naval Association

Falmouth Packet:

Hayden Thompson sounds the Last Post

Falmouth Packet:

The mayor of Falmouth Steve Eva and his wife Vicky at the war memorial

Falmouth Packet:

Piper David Maitland in Kimberley Park on Saturday morning

Falmouth Packet:

The wreath from the Royal Air Force Association

Falmouth Packet:

Mike Stevens of the Royal Naval Association

Falmouth Packet:

The VJ service at the war memorial in Kimberley Park on Saturday morning